Malda, 6 July (H.S.): Tension has gripped the Manikchak area of Malda district following the mysterious death of a Class 8 student, Srikant Mandal, who was studying at a private school. The student's family has refused to perform his last rites and has kept the body preserved in a freezer at home for the past three days, demanding the arrest of the accused and a clear post-mortem report.

According to the family, Srikant died as a result of physical and mental harassment inflicted by officials of the private institution. His father, Prem Kumar Mandal, lodged a written complaint with the Manikchak police station on Friday night against the institution's owner. However, even after three days, no concrete action has been taken by the police.

Prem Kumar Mandal said, If the post-mortem report shows any irregularities or signs of negligence, we will demand a second autopsy. We will not cremate the body until the culprits are brought to justice.

Local residents have also voiced their frustration. The alleged that the police are trying to suppress the case.

Till the time of filing of the news, no official statement was issued by the police in this regard.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey